Male Role Norms (Pleck et al., 1994)

Introduction

• Research Context

  • Study focuses on attitudes toward male roles among adolescent males, specifically delving into ideas about masculinity.

  • Investigates discriminant validity of the Male Role Attitude Scale (MRAS).

• Objectives of Study

  • Examine the independence of male role attitudes from female role attitudes.

  • Assess how MRAS correlates with and explains variances in other gender-related attitudes.

Key Findings

• Correlation Results

  • MRAS is unrelated to attitudes towards the female role.

  • Significant association with attitudes toward gender roles and relationships.

  • MRAS correlates with homophobic attitudes and traditional procreative attitudes.

  • Explains additional variance in these attitudes beyond what is explained by female role and gender role assessments.

Background Literature

• Previous Measures of Masculinity

  • Several instruments to measure masculine roles exist (e.g., Brannon Masculinity Scale).

  • Studies showing varied levels of agreement on traditional male roles regarding risk, self-reliance, and aggression.

• Demographic Predictors

  • Variables such as age, race, parental education correlate with traditional masculinity endorsments.

  • Older respondents tend to reject traditional masculinity more strongly.

Traditional Attitudes and Implications

• Impact of Traditional Male Attitudes

  • Associated with problem behaviors like substance abuse in youth.

  • Relate to adult behaviors such as household task division, emotional expression, and relationship dynamics.

• Theoretical Significance

  • Support for distinct categorization of attitudes toward male versus female roles, impacting studies on gender norms and roles.

Methodology

• Sample Size and Demographics

  • National Survey of Adolescent Males (NSAM) included 1,880 respondents.

  • Sample stratified with representation from Black, Hispanic, and White males.

  • Ensure a diverse demographic representation, covering socio-economic and racial factors.

Instruments Used

• Attitude Scales Defined

  • MRAS consists of eight items reflecting traditional attitudes toward male roles.

  • Other scales for female roles and gender roles encompass nuanced attitudes determining societal expectations.

• Reliability Concerns

  • MRAS shows a coefficient alpha of .56, indicating moderate reliability for framework analysis.

Analytical Strategies

• Regression Analysis

  • Regression models assess relationships between MRAS and other gender attitudes.

  • Variance accounted for by MRAS demonstrates an ability to explain behaviors and attitudes towards gender roles significantly.

Conclusions and Discussion

• Discriminant Validity Affirmed

  • Study affirms MRAS represents a distinct measure of male role attitudes.

  • Challenges prior understanding of gender role assessments based on inter-relational gender comparisons.

  • Highlights necessity for further exploration of male attitudes influenced by socio-demographic variables and cultural belief systems.

• Future Research Directions

  • Encourages development of multi-dimensional instruments for evaluating gender attitudes.

  • Calls for comparative studies across diverse samples to expand understanding of masculinity and gender roles.